1 Malaysia and The Unity or Disunity of Races In Malaysia

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

There are many ways that can be taken to achieve unity among the Malaysians.

Sports. It is because, children who play together and eventually will stand together as a nation when they become adults. On the other hand, government policies on national unity is the nature of integration, namely through the adjustment with a variety of cultural and social characteristics that can be accepted by all ethnic groups in our country.

Political power sharing also can create the unity between the Malaysians. Before our country got the independence, the leader of the three main races which are Malay, Chinese and Indian have realized that political compromise and power sharing is essential in the guard and conducted fairly to avoid power misconduct and divisions. The important positions in government, the seats in the election and the candidates contesting must be ensuring not only dominated by one ethnic.

Democracy to choosing the government. We must ensure that all citizens are eligible and do not violate state law, can voice their opinions, criticisms, and choose a candidate in the elections freely and fairly. Who would win the election with a majority of votes entitled to be elected representatives can voice their aspirations through established channels such as the Dewan Rakyat or Dewan Negara.

Allocation of the economic.The highest incidence of poverty that are still held by the natives. If it is left to other problems such as social jealousy among the natives of other races, they feel themselves oppressed, social problems, increasing crime rates and so forth. To overcome this situation, the allocation of the economic cake must be made in a fair manner and in accordance with the needs of people who are in Malaysia. The weak and the poor should be helped with a variety of ways to improve their economic status.

National Principle. The government also have created a principle that can unite all the Malaysians which is known as National Principle (Rukun Negara). National Principles were launched on August 31, 1970is our national ideology. The national ideology is necessary to create an identity that same spirit and purpose of fostering cooperation among the various ethnic and communities. The five pillars of the principle are as follows, belief in God, loyalty to the king and country, supremacy of the constitution, rule of law and behaviour and morality. The five principles are intended to establish a united Malaysian nation, and a Malaysian society that is equitable, democratic, liberal and progressive.

New Economic Policy (NEP) launched in 1971 by the Rancangan Malaysia Kedua (1971 -1975), is aimed at creating an economic balance between race and region to achieve national unity. In other words, the NEP was aimed at fostering national unity through the distribution of income and economic opportunities among all Malaysians. The NEP was implemented through a two-pronged strategy, namely eradication of poverty irrespective of race, and restructuring of society so that ethnic identification with economic function can be eliminated.

The National Education Policy. National Education Policy enshrined in the Education Act 1961 is based on reports Razak Rahman Talib Report 1956and 1960. Among other goals of the National Education Association is to create a united Malaysian society. Among the steps taken to meet the goals of the National Education Association in fostering national unity and integration such as using Malay language as a medium of instruction in schools and institutions of higher learning, provide uniform curriculum content for all schools in Malaysia and carrying out extra-curricular activities (sports).

Formation of a national culture to promote unity through a lifestyle and values agreed upon and embraced by all races. National culture can also create a national identity that can be recognized by foreign countries. Therefore, the government has been emphasizing the gradual formation of a national culture that encompasses elements both from various cultures in our country based on local indigenous culture.Three principals have been designated as a National Cultural Policy which are, the national culture should be based on the original culture of the people of this region, other cultural elements that fit and be accepted as elements of national culture, and Islam is essential in the formation of national culture.

National language. Language plays an important role in the process of fostering unity among the races. Thus, the government has made Malay as the national language of our country. National Language Act 1967 has been allocated the Malay language as the official language. Starting in 1970, the discussion between the leaders has gradually replaced English as the medium of instruction in schools. Governments also undertook a campaign to promote the use of Malay with the launch of “Gerakan Cintailah Bahasa Kebangsaan”.

Barisan Nasional (BN) also is one of the steps taken. Political cooperation and understanding is crucial to ensuring stability and national unity. In1953, the party alliance has been formed and has succeeded in establishing the government in Malaya in 1955. Political cooperation through a consensus within the Alliance expanded with the establishment of the National Front in 1971. With the establishment of the National Front, has completed the representatives of various ethnic and interest in the ruling party.

The 1Malaysia introduced by Dato’ Seri Najib Razak also is a good step to make national integration. The principles of 1Malaysia Foundation encourage public discussion and participation in critical social development, public issues and programmers. Essentially, 1Malaysia Foundation takes every step possible to help achieve a truly united Malaysian Nation.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

1Malaysia is intended to provide a free and open forum to discuss the things that matter deeply to us as a Nation. It provides a chance to express and explore the many perspectives of our fellow citizens. What makes Malaysia unique is the diversity of our peoples. 1Malaysia’s goal is to preserve and enhance this unity in diversity which has always been our strength and remains our best hope for the future. I hope this website will initiate an open and vital dialogue exploring our Malaysian identity, our purpose, and direction. I encourage each of you to join me in defining our Malaysia and the role we must play in its future. Each of us – despite our differences – shares a desire for a better tomorrow. Each of us wants opportunity, respect, friendship, and understanding.

When speaking of unity, in Malaysian context, almost instantly the first thing that comes to mind is all races living together hand-in-hand in harmony. As picture perfect as that may be, it is only a portion of what unity is truly all about. The spirit of brethren amongst the many races is merely one speck of the larger spectrum of unity. Unity comes in many other forms the likes of unity in education, cultural appreciation, socio-economy, political, regional, etc.

The need for all those sort of unity is true in Malaysia’s current situation. Malaysia is not only made up of the Malays, Chinese and Indians. It is also made up of the Peninsular and East Malaysia, the rich and the poor, the government and the opposition, the educated and those who are not, the white collars and the blue collars, the young and the old, the urban dwellers and the village folks; and so on and so forth. With that in mind, the 1Malaysia policy must cater to the needs of all sectors of the society and not just focussing on racial relations.Malaysia being a federation of 13 states and 3 federal territories, the development so far has been rather lopsided with most of the wealth centred on theKlang Valley conurbation. Many other states register significant number of its population as still living under the poverty line.

Although the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP) 2006-2010 has already committed to reducing the overall poverty line to below 2.8 percent (from the 2004 estimate of 5.7 percent) and to eradicate hardcore poverty by 2010, this effort must be proportionately distributed to all states including Sabah and Sarawak. In future Malaysia Plans more provision shall be made to states like Sabah, Kelantan and Terengganu; all of which records significant number of poverty rate.

To achieve a better distribution of national wealth, the relationship between state and federal governments must also improve. Political differences between the state and federal governments should not hinder the best interests of the people. Issues like oil royalty should not be politicised. Other aids or funding from federal government should not be disrupted just because the state level government has changed.

Geographical factor is another factor to consider in achieving national unity as proposed under 1Malaysia. We should not be thinking as Sarawakians or Kelantanese or KLites, instead, we should be thinking and moving forward as Malaysians. The policy should promote greater co-operation between the tworegions and improve on the integration of the people.

Arts and other cultural aspects of Malaysia should also be enriched by the amalgamation of the myriads of cultures available in Malaysia. Thus far, this kind of togetherness could mostly be seen only during festive (especially the Independence Day celebration) seasons. This should not be the case. Fashion, performance arts, music, etc.; must be able to portray the essence of unity 1Malaysia tries to achieve.

The gap between the more affluent urbanites and the seemingly impecunious rural folks also needs attention. The disparity between the two categories of people could be redressed by means of certain revamps in areas of education and economy. The teaching of English for instance, must be more thorough and progressive in rural areas as to allow the students a better footing in competing with urban students. Economic opportunities in villages and other rural areas should also be increased as it will help to raise the living standards of villagers without having to move to the city.

To me, and I dare to that say most Malaysians, national unity centres around the feeling that we all belong in every sense of the word, equally and without discrimination to one country. We are Malaysians first and foremost before we are anyone else. That means we celebrate our cultural, racial, language, food and other diversities knowing full well that we are inextricably linked and belong to one nation despite our various backgrounds. We not only accept our differences, we recognize that as our strength.

What has prevented national unity and hence the need for us to come up with ways to strengthen that is that we have stressed our differences as divisive forces and failed to cultivate it as strengths. Not only do we not celebrate our differences we have become intolerant of them. Differences have been raised to such an extent that we bargain for everything based on race, language and religion. Quotas and contracts, jobs and education, equity stakes all of these are being split up on the basis of race with political parties representing, basically, races.

We attribute the “divide and rule” policy to the British who supposedly highlighted racial and religious differences to keep themselves more easily in power. But over the years, our politicians have taught the British a thing or two and have taken the policy to new heights. Our politicians have finely honed their skills to evoke the required response from their constituencies by highlighting, stoking and sometimes igniting the fires of discord and dissent among the races to constantly keep the tensions and their power up.

To continue down this sad, sorry path is to descend into disaster for it will result in each community pulling in its own direction, sowing the seeds of national disunity, allowing the corrupt to crop up and rule and to eventually sink this nation into oblivion as we spend time fighting over the spoils instead of fostering an environment for the unrestrained creation of wealth and well-being for all of us.

One can only hope that the Government is serious when it asks for suggestions to improve national unity, that it is aware of the serious state of affairs and it is willing to take the necessary steps to avert this disaster which will surely befall us if we don’t change direction. What’s required are radical steps and a real will by politicians to put the people and the country first above their own narrow, parochial interests and using thinly veiled threats about what lies ahead if the public does not play ball.

Here are 10 that we should seriously consider:

1. Ban race-based political parties: This is a radical suggestion and perhaps even undemocratic. But to continue to allow race-based political parties, which fight principally for the benefit of one race despite everything they say to the contrary, is to allow them to continue to drive repeated wedges between us Malaysians for the continuing benefit of the politicians.

2. Cut corruption: Much of the time it is the most corrupt among us who play the race card. We must guard against the benefits to our race being whittled away, they exhort, when what they really mean is that they don’t want the power and patronage they wield that makes them wealthy sometimes beyond belief to be taken away from them. They champion their race only to continue in their corrupt ways.

3. Redress imbalance in government and the corporate sector: There are too many Malays in government and government-linked companies and perhaps not enough of them in the corporate sector. But while there are increasing numbers of Malays in the corporate sector, there has been a decreasing number of non-Malays in government. That’s an imbalance that’s bound to affect national unity in the long term. It can be easily rectified.

4. Introduce proper national service: It has been said time and again that there are not enough non-Malays in the army and the police for various reasons. One way out of this is to have compulsory, comprehensive and extensive national service for both army and police for those within a certain age bracket. That means we have reserve army and police back-up. This will go a long way towards fostering national unity compared to the current inadequate system which is really not national service as most people understand it.

5. Move to a single school system over the long term: Yes, the constitution guarantees vernacular schools. But to continue with this where schoolchildren of various races no longer mingle at work and play as the educational system becomes polarised is extremely unsatisfactory. Some system should be devised where mother-tongue education can continue unabated and at the same levels as now within a unified single school system. This is a major cause of disunity and can be changed if there is consensus.

6. Abolish racial quotas: Racial quotas are archaic as a means of achieving social distribution aims. The idea should be to help all disadvantaged. If that is done, and if a particular race as a whole is disadvantaged, it will automatically be helped more. That removes the considerable social angst and divisiveness of racial quotas and directly fosters national unity.

7. Abandon equity targets based on race: For the same reason as the point above, racial equity ownership targets should be done away with. Equity ownership should also be measured in more meaningful ways. Stakes owned by government corporations should be broken down according to the racial composition of the country or completely excluded from the calculations. It is important to always maintain data integrity by being transparent about how statistics are collected and collated.

8. Move towards equality of opportunity, not outcome: To do away with a dependence habit and to encourage and reward effort, the aim should be equality of opportunity. All disadvantaged groups can be given some forms of advantage to redress imbalances without bringing into play the question of race.

9. Award scholarships, university places etc based on need and merit: There are two ways to award places in universities and give scholarships according to need and according to merit. When poor and disadvantaged groups need to be given a leg up, clear guidelines can be set and adhered to so that the process is transparent, effective and not based on race.

10. Introduce anti-discriminatory legislation and enforce it scrupulously: No one should be discriminated against anywhere on the basis of race, religion, language or gender. This should be clearly set forth unambiguously in legislation and a commission set up to enforce it. In any country where there are minorities who are citizens, their rights must be scrupulously protected to ensure national unity.

At the end of the day, it is up to us.

Malaysians must rise up as 1Malaysia and deny politicians their weapons of divisiveness by insisting that they treat us as Malaysians first and Malays, Chinese, Indians etc only after that and work for the benefit of all of us. Otherwise, we can use out ultimate weapon — refuse to give them the vote.

Malaysian people of various races and religions need to think of themselves as a nation of Malaysia are thinking and acting to achieve a goal. In line with this, the unity that exist between races in this country should be strengthened to create a more peaceful country ambience, advanced, secure and prosperous.

The 1 Malaysia concept was introduced by Dato Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, is a step that coincided with the mood and feel of the people. This concept is in line with what the Perlembagaan Persekutuan and Rukun Negara.

1 Malaysia brought the aspirations to improve race relations to ensure that the people of Malaysia to forge closer unity. The basic thing that needs to be created in the spirit of solidarity is a feeling of respect, sincerity and mutual trust between the races. '1 Malaysia' will also establish a government that put people's priorities centered on performance as Prime Minister of the slogan of ‘Rakyat didahulukan, Pencapaian diutamakan’

'1 Malaysia ' need leadership and people of high integrity. The nature of honest, capable, to speak the truth, transparency, honesty and trust are very important to implement the responsibility to the nation.

'1Malaysia' needs a wise leader who interpret and understand their assignment.Outstanding and committed leader should have a high ability to plan, strategize, assess performance and timeliness in providing the best service to the people. The passion and commitment to duties and responsibilities of the foundation or the most powerful weapon to achieve a success. The country needs people who are dedicated and committed to perform the duties and responsibilities with pride, determination and commitment to the interests and advancement.

Malaysia also requires leaders who are friendly people and willing to sacrifice time, energy and financial and personal interests aside for the sake of the nation. Leaders who work with dedication and sincerity will get the support and respect from all walks of life.

All people need to give priority to the interests of national allegiance and loyalty to the people and solve their own group. This country is a country for all citizens, regardless of race, religion, culture and politics. All people should assume that they are a nation of Malaysia in which everything should be enjoyed in common. Malaysia is a country where there are no people or people who would enjoy being marginalized from the development and defense of the government.

Malaysia is a catalyst for the creation of nation states to develop Malaysia as a country that has the attitude of equality and togetherness among the people. The ability to build our nation depends on the shared values of integrity, ability, dedication and loyalty.

Leaders and citizens need to understand and appreciate the value of eight 1 Malaysia, the culture of excellence, courage, humility, acceptance, loyalty, meritocracy, education and integrity.

2. DEFINITIONS

An explanation of the concept of Malaysia by YAB Dato 'Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak:

"We stand, we think and act as a nation of Malaysia. One People. And we take actions based on the needs of all ethnic groups in our country;

This does not mean we dispense with affirmative action policies, policies to help indigenous people as long as the policy is implemented in a fair manner and give consideration to the Bumiputera community who are eligible for a consideration of the government.

We came out of the way in which we practice ethnic wall for a long time. "

2.1 Explanation

Based on the above, can be formulated the following conclusions:

2.1.1 The concept of a Malaysia that all citizens and leaders to play their role.

The verse that says: "We stood up, think and act as a nation of Malaysia. One People "demanded the people of various races and religions to think beyond their ethnic boundaries. They also seek to produce action beyond the walls of racial and ethnic interests.

Hence, the Malays, for example, be asked not only to think within the scope of their nations. They were also asked to not only restrict their actions to matters of importance to them immediately. So did the other races, they claimed to do the same.

While the line "and we take actions based on the needs of all ethnic groups in our country" more focused and concerned with the leadership. This paragraph means that the country's leadership will serve and meet the needs and rights of all races and ethnic groups in Malaysia.

2.1.2 The added value and innovation in the concept of a Malaysian

"Taking actions based on the needs of all ethnic groups in our country" has been implemented by the government since the country's independence. Things are running in the shape of its own, namely, the leadership of the country serving the needs of each ethnic community through their representatives.

Through a concept of Malaysia, the Prime Minister wants all MPs to act beyond the boundaries of their people and expand their services to other communities.

3. DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE CONCEPT OF 1 MALAYSIA WITH MALAYSIAN MALAYSIA CONCEPT.

Based on a definition of the concept of Malaysia as stated above, a Malaysia have different concepts as follows:

3.1. "The concept of Malaysian Malaysia is a policy that wants to continue to thwart the basic social structure that existed for so long. Justice is taken blindly taking the concept of total equality version. But more to the concept of a Malaysia for the harmonization of the people in a different scope. "

3.2. In addition to the interests of all communities, the concept of a Malaysia also emphasizes the integration and creation of Bangsa Malaysia. Unlike the Malaysian Malaysia is limited to equal rights without regard to reality and history of Malaysia.

4. STATUS OF 1 MALAYSIA CONCEPT.

The concept of a vision of Malaysia is not a new thought or idea. On the other hand a concept of Malaysia 'People first, Performance Now' is a concept in the administration who advised government leaders to discharge their duties more efficiently, trust and responsibility in the interest of the people.

5. RELATED 1 MALAYSIA CONCEPT WITH PREVIOUS GOVERNMENT POLICIES.

The relationship between 1 Malaysia and the concept of a previous Goverment policy stated earlier by the Prime Minister himself. He stressed that "the concept of a 1 Malaysia, 'Rakyat Didahulukan. Pencapaian Diutamakan' is the continuation of two concepts introduced by former Prime Minister.

This concept is not something new. On the other hand "a 1 Malaysia, 'Rakyat Didahulukan, Pencapaian Diutamakan', an effort that has long been practiced. Efforts to preserve and protect the interests of the people and the country has done since the days of Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj. Efforts of our people and country were linked by the Prime-Prime Minister next. Every Prime Minister has their own ideas, but the goal remains the same for the people and country.

6. GOAL

'1 Malaysia' aims to maintain and enhance the unity in diversity which has always been the strength of Malaysia and its people, and this advantage will be maintained as our best hope for any challenge.

'1 Malaysia' will also establish a government that prioritizes the achievement of the priority axis is reflected when people like the slogan YAB Dato' Sri Najib Tun Razak called 'Rakyat Didahukan, Pencapain Diutamakan'.

7. VALUES of 1 MALAYSIA

There were eight of which are applied by the Honourable Dato 'Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak in concept of '1 Malaysia'. These values are expected to bringing its people together with the thoughts and actions that lead to one goal, namely to the country. Eight values are: